Cody Kidwell brought 15 years of experience in the hospitality industry and professional culinary training from Le Cordon Bleu to Verde’s Mexican Parrilla when he took over the business in 2019. He runs the restaurant alongside his wife, Allana Henry, and business partner, Brandon Metz.

“We use Mexican spices; we’re a Mexican grill; we infuse the flavors of Mexico with the grill, so we’re not Tex-Mex,” Kidwell said.

The menu features specialties such as the Cody Nachos, which come topped with charro beans, chorizo and more as Kidwell emphasized the restaurant’s use of local ingredients.

“We just try to take it and make it different than what everybody else is doing without reinventing the wheel,” Kidwell said.

With a deeply rooted history in the business, Kidwell has been able to witness firsthand the steady growth and success the restaurant has seen over the years despite its location.


“We’ve doubled our seating on the patio, and the community has grown as well out here,” Kidwell said. “I like being out here; we’re away from it; we’re super kid friendly. ... I have kids, and my kids grew up in this restaurant.”

In addition to the indoor area and vast outdoor patio, Verde’s also offers catering services for weddings and events for a handful to hundreds of people. The restaurant also does community outreach to local programs and clubs.

While the Verde’s Mexican Parrilla team has no plans for a second location, they might be open to a separate concept restaurant in the future, Kidwell said.

“I like the individuality of the restaurant and not trying to make four or five or 10 and then lose your quality,” Kidwell said.


Verde’s Mexican Parrilla will be celebrating National Fajita Day on Aug. 18 and National Cheeseburger Day on Sept. 18.To view the full spread in the print edition, click here.